A local consumer rights NGO dropped a bomb yesterday by announcing the results of tests that point to the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in foods available on the local market.
The Environmental Quality Protection Foundation (EQPF, 環境品質文教基金會) found that genetically modified foodstuffs available include certain instant noodle products and hamburgers sold at certain fast food franchises. In response to its findings, the foundation urged the Department of Health (DOH, 衛生署) to immediately launch a survey of all genetically modified foods on the market to properly label the products.
Advocates of genetically modified foods say the transgenetic technique enhances the original organism with traits it wouldn't naturally possess and can thereby increase agricultural productivity. Some have hailed the technology as a solution to world hunger.
Opponents, however, say the amount of food in the world is sufficient and that starvation in many countries is caused by poverty that prevents the acquisition of foods. They also argue that biotechnology corporations are more interested in profit than helping people in need.
Critics also say some genetically modified foods pose risks to human health. For example, they argue that, by eating genetically modified foods, people will ingest genetic materials or becteria that were never previously eaten by human beings, which may threaten some with unusual or unknown allergies.
Some also worry about genetic engineering's impact on the ecosystem. For instance, scientists have found that the lecithin gene inserted in potatoes to reduce aphid attacks on the vegetable caused significant reductions in the life expectancy and reproductive capabilities of ladybirds.
The foundation yesterday said the McDonald's McChicken sandwich and the hamburger at Japanese fast food franchise Mos Burger contain GMOs.
Food companies that sell instant noodle products found to contain GMO ingredients were Uni-President Enterprises Corporation (
The foundation revealed the results of its first test for GMOs in the local market in late August. The group found that all sampled soybean products contained GMO ingredients.
Eric Liou (
The foundation further urged the government to register and label imported fodder for GMO content.
"The government should have complete information to fully monitor GM ingredients in all agricultural products and raw food materials imported, since knowing their sources is also vital," Liu said.
The concerns have been raised, while Kraft Foods, the largest US food manufacturer, was recently found to be using the gene-altered corn StarLink in its taco shells. The product has not been approved for food use because it is a possible allergen.
Chen Jen-hung (程仁宏), deputy secretary-general of the Consumers' Foundation (消費者基金會), agreed that labeling was necessary for GMO foods. Chen said consumers should have access to information about foods they eat so that they can choose whether or not to eat genetically modified foods. Chen said manufactures should stop importing GMOs before the safety of such products can be guaranteed.
The US is the world's largest producer of GM crops. Taiwan is a major importer of soybeans, mainly from the US. The DOH said 40 percent of soybeans grown in the US last year were genetically modified.
Shyu Yuan-tai (徐源泰), professor of horticulture at National Taiwan University, suggested clearly labeling non-GMO products, because the US does not label genetically modified foods and testing for GMOs would be difficult.
In January 130 countries adopted the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol under negotiation with the UN. The agreement established a framework for ensuring that signatories are provided with the information necessary to make informed decisions before agreeing to the import of such organisms into their territory.
Sixty-two countries signed the protocol in May in Nairobi, while Argentina was the only country from the Miami Group (US, Canada, Argentina and Australia, the largest exporters of GMOs) to sign.
Almost all EU members signed the protocol. Meanwhile, Japan and Korea also will begin mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods next year.
KMT Legislator Eugene Jao (趙永清) said Taiwan should not isolate itself from the international trend.
SECURITY: As China is ‘reshaping’ Hong Kong’s population, Taiwan must raise the eligibility threshold for applications from Hong Kongers, Chiu Chui-cheng said When Hong Kong and Macau citizens apply for residency in Taiwan, it would be under a new category that includes a “national security observation period,” Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said yesterday. President William Lai (賴清德) on March 13 announced 17 strategies to counter China’s aggression toward Taiwan, including incorporating national security considerations into the review process for residency applications from Hong Kong and Macau citizens. The situation in Hong Kong is constantly changing, Chiu said to media yesterday on the sidelines of the Taipei Technology Run hosted by the Taipei Neihu Technology Park Development Association. With
CARROT AND STICK: While unrelenting in its military threats, China attracted nearly 40,000 Taiwanese to over 400 business events last year Nearly 40,000 Taiwanese last year joined industry events in China, such as conferences and trade fairs, supported by the Chinese government, a study showed yesterday, as Beijing ramps up a charm offensive toward Taipei alongside military pressure. China has long taken a carrot-and-stick approach to Taiwan, threatening it with the prospect of military action while reaching out to those it believes are amenable to Beijing’s point of view. Taiwanese security officials are wary of what they see as Beijing’s influence campaigns to sway public opinion after Taipei and Beijing gradually resumed travel links halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the scale of
A US Marine Corps regiment equipped with Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) is set to participate in the upcoming Balikatan 25 exercise in the Luzon Strait, marking the system’s first-ever deployment in the Philippines. US and Philippine officials have separately confirmed that the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) — the mobile launch platform for the Naval Strike Missile — would take part in the joint exercise. The missiles are being deployed to “a strategic first island chain chokepoint” in the waters between Taiwan proper and the Philippines, US-based Naval News reported. “The Luzon Strait and Bashi Channel represent a critical access
Pope Francis is be laid to rest on Saturday after lying in state for three days in St Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful are expected to flock to pay their respects to history’s first Latin American pontiff. The cardinals met yesterday in the Vatican’s synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis’ successor, as condolences poured in from around the world. According to current norms, the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10. The cardinals set the funeral for Saturday at 10am in St Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College
RSS